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A must-see place in Budapest: The Great Market Hall
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Besides the beautiful exterior, the Great Market Hall found at Fővám Square is known for being the melting-pot of Budapest locals and tourists coming from all over the world, who enjoy shopping there. The 120-years-old Great Market Hall is everybody’s favourite in the capital of Hungary.
Budapest’s biggest market hall was finished in 1897 based on the plans of architect Samu Pecz. It is one of the most beautiful masterpieces in the brick architecture of Hungarian historicism. The almost 10 thousand m2 ground-spaced marketplace is covered with a huge steel roofing. It has three floors: a basement, a ground floor and an upper floor, which is part of the steel structure. The entrance’s stone gates were built in neo-gothic style, while the roof is decorated with the colourful ceramics of the Zsolnay factory.
The Great Market Hall was pronounced a monument in 1977, the last time it was completely renovated was in 1994, but there have been smaller renovation works since then.
As we reported last year, CNN Travel named the Great Market Hall Europe’s best market. It also received other acknowledgements, out of which the most illustrious was probably the most important international prize of the architecture industry, the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence award in 1997.
The hall has three main functions: it is a market, a souvenir bazaar and a gastronomic experience thanks to the Hungarian restaurants.
The classic market
As unbelievable as it might be, the market of Fővám Square is one of the most affordable markets in Budapest. Locals think that they get a very good value for their money, and not even tourism could mess this up: a lot of locals still buy their food in the lovely atmosphere of the hall. What’s also great besides the affordable prices and good quality is that the selection is endless. You can find everything from basic ingredients to unique delicacies. If you can’t seem to find a certain ingredient, then Budapest dwellers will suggest that you look it up in the Great Market Hall. The classic market is mainly found on the ground floor and in the basement.
